Striking Hamptons Showhouse Kitchen

Many travelers return from Europe with a suitcase full of zeal. Gary Ciuffo unpacked his in an intriguing place—a kitchen inside the 2017 Hampton Designer Showhouse. “I was inspired by Italian design,” says Ciuffo, president of Ciuffo Cabinetry in New York. “I wanted to bring that European-modern flair into a Hamptons kitchen.”

Ciuffo began with a base rooted in classic Hamptons fashion, constructing banks of soaring white transitional-style cabinetry. Applied moldings on doors and crown molding at the ceiling ensure the space has enviable architectural bones. Continuing the airy elegance, a backsplash of Calacatta marble tiles wraps the range wall.

To this light canvas, Ciuffo introduced drama and warmth with natural wood. “During our travels, we saw a lot of wood walls and wood ceiling panels,” he says. He translated that inspiration into a span of walnut that runs from the sink backsplash on one side of the work zone, across the ceiling, and down the other side of the kitchen, where the rich wood cloaks built-in refrigerator and freezer columns.

Then, for a touch of shimmering glam, Ciuffo had a series of solid-brass bars routed into the wood. The eye-catching lines repeat on the custom range hood and island—and are echoed by statuesque brass pendants, hardware, and faucets. “The brass is unlacquered,” Ciuffo says, “so, through the years, that live finish will turn and further blend with the walnut tones.”

Dark and light artfully blend in this kitchen by Gary Ciuffo for the 2017 Hampton Designer Showhouse. Appliances are from Sub-Zero/Wolf.

Quartz on perimeter countertops and the island bar is dark and dramatic, with deep brown undertones to pair with the wood. “We did a lot of sampling on tones for the wood finish,” Ciuffo says. “I wanted something warm that would blend with the kitchen’s stone elements.” Providing a perfect counterpoint to the moody hues, light tones come from natural-wood floors and sculptural bar stools—brought in by Michael Del Piero, the Chicago tastemaker who styled the space and designed the adjoining dining area.

“We took the light, comfortable Hamptons kitchen that everyone is used to and gave it warmth and drama with wood and brass,” Ciuffo says. “We’re showing a way to go beyond the simple white kitchen and bring in some personal style, some fun, some artistry—and I think that’s important for every kitchen design.”